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The Philadelphia 76ers face off against the Los Angeles Lakers in a battle of two squads missing key players tonight. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Sixers-Lakers prediction and pick.
The Sixers currently hold a record of 16-19 overall and 14-21 against the spread. Philadelphia is coming off a hard-fought win over the Golden State Warriors.
The Lakers stand at 24-13 but are only 17-20 against the spread. Los Angeles is coming off a blowout loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Sixers-Lakers odds.
NBA Odds: Sixers vs. Lakers Odds
Philadelphia 76ers -5.5 (-112)
Los Angeles Lakers +5.5 (-108)
Over 215.5 Points (-110)
Under 215.5 Points (-110)
Why The Lakers Could Cover The Spread
The Lakers have struggled mightily in the absence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Since James went down against the Hawks, the purple-and-gold have dropped three straight. While it might not seem like it, there are some positives to be taken from the Lakers' current form.
For one, Montrezl Harrell has become Los Angeles' number one offensive option, and he's excelling in the role.
Over the three-game stretch, ‘Trez is averaging 21.8 points and 9.0 rebounds on 69% shooting. When the Lakers need a bucket, he's provided more often than not.
Harrell will need to have a huge game tonight against former Laker Dwight Howard. With Embiid still absent and Tony Bradley recently traded, the Sixers front-court is significantly less intimidating.
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On the defensive end, the weary Lakers get a small break after facing two of the top offensive teams in the league.
Obviously, Joel Embiid's absence is a huge weight off a short-handed Lakers back. Both Danny Green and Seth Curry are questionable to play tonight, meaning the Sixers could be without two of their best shooters.
A low-scoring, paint-centric game plays in the Lakers favor. Only one of these two teams is currently capable of putting up ridiculous numbers on the offensive end, and it's not L.A.
Keep this in the 100-110 point range and Harrell and company can hang around until the end.
Why The Sixers Could Cover The Spread
The Sixers are red hot, winning nine out of their last ten games. In five of those wins, the Sixers played without Embiid.
The most impressive aspect of Philly's current run is their defense. Teams have simply been unable to score consistently on a staunch Sixers perimeter.
In six games without Embiid, the Sixers have held every single opponent below their scoring average. In three of those games, they help opponents to a double-digit total.
Philadelphia only allows 109.4 points per game, the seventh-lowest in the league. They also hold opponents to the fourth lowest field goal percentage and the ninth-lowest three-point percentage.
Against a handicapped Lakers squad, it would be a shock to see Los Angeles break 110 points tonight.
Offensively, the Sixers don't need a masterclass. They just need to do enough to get the win.
Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons should be enough to push the Sixers offensively. Harris is averaging 24.8 points on 48% shooting from the field and a shocking 50% from three in Embiid's absence. Simmons is averaging near triple-double numbers since the center went down.
The Lakers don't have the defenders necessary to match up with either tonight. Simmons should have his way in the painted area, and Harris is looking primed for another 20-25 point night.
Final Sixers-Lakers Prediction & Pick
The biggest advantage tonight is the gap in talent between the Sixers and the Lakers' offense. Honestly, no clue how the Lakers will crack a tough Sixers defense that has shut down teams far more efficiently than them. As long as the Sixers scorers don't go ice-cold, this should be an easy Philly win. Let's continue to fade the star-less Los Angeles squad.
FINAL SIXERS-LAKERS PREDICTION & PICK: PHILADELPHIA 76ERS 5.5
